April 17, 2025
Horner & Shifrin Launches New Bathymetric Survey Service with Remote Drone Boat
Horner & Shifrin is excited to announce a new addition to our survey services—a remote-controlled HyDrone™ boat that helps us map the floor of lakes, rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water. The HyDrone is a lightweight, portable boat that can be operated by one person. It can run manually or follow a pre-planned path on its own. Depending on the water depth and project goals, we use one of two sonar systems on the boat:
One system works in shallow water (as little as one foot deep) to map the bottom surface. The other system works in deeper water (three feet or more) and can also detect layers of silt or sediment. We’ll choose the right system based on each project, never using both at once.
The HyDrone is ideal for sewage treatment plants, lakes, ponds, creeks, and rivers, especially where traditional survey tools can’t easily reach. With this new tool, we can deliver detailed maps and models of what’s under the water, including features you can’t see from above.
Improved Safety for Survey Crews
Using the HyDrone reduces the need for our staff to physically enter or operate boats in potentially hazardous environments. It allows us to gather accurate data from the shoreline or safe access points, lowering risk while improving efficiency.
Want to learn more?
Reach out today to see how Horner & Shifrin’s bathymetric survey service can benefit your next project—safely, efficiently, and accurately.